Tuesday November 26, 2024
Japan faced a seismic shock on Tuesday evening when two earthquakes, measuring 6.4 and 6.2 in magnitude, shook the central and western regions of the country. The powerful tremors disrupted daily life, interrupting high-speed train services and leaving residents on alert for aftershocks. These two earthquakes caused widespread travel chaos, particularly affecting Ishikawa and Honshu, where the impact was most severe.
On Tuesday evening, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas in central Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued following the quake.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake occurred at 10:47 p.m. local time, registering a level below 5 on Japan's 7-point seismic intensity scale in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture. This region is struggling to recover from the major earthquake that shook the region on New Year's Day.
The earthquake's epicenter was located offshore along the west coast of Ishikawa Prefecture, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The tremor was strong enough to be felt in neighboring prefectures, prompting residents to remain vigilant against possible aftershocks.
Immediate impact
In response to the earthquake, JR West temporarily suspended services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line between Toyama and Kanazawa. The suspension was implemented as a safety precaution while inspections and assessments were carried out on the infrastructure. Transport authorities have stressed the importance of thorough safety checks to ensure rail lines are safe before operations resume.
Residents in affected areas reported objects falling from shelves and buildings swinging, but no immediate reports of serious injuries or significant structural damage were confirmed. Emergency response teams are actively monitoring the situation and encouraging residents to remain cautious as aftershocks remain possible.
Second earthquake hits on same day
Adding to the tension, earlier Tuesday another earthquake measuring 6.2 struck near the west coast of Honshu. The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) reported that this earthquake occurred at a depth of 8 kilometers, slightly shallower than the Ishikawa earthquake. Although the two earthquakes occurred within hours of each other, they highlight the increased seismic activity currently affecting the region.
Seismic activity, a constant concern for Japan
Japan, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position where several tectonic plates converge. Even though the country's infrastructure is designed to withstand significant seismic activity, such events still disrupt daily life and can strain ongoing recovery efforts in areas like Ishikawa.
Local authorities and disaster response teams continue to assess the impact of the two earthquakes. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks in the coming days. For residents of affected areas, safety remains the top priority.
